5 Inca Treks Beyond Machu Picchu (PHOTOS)

The Classic Inca Trail -- all snowy peaks, subtropical forests and ancient ruins -- is one of South America's hottest tickets. But only 500 people are allowed on the four-day trek to Machu Picchu each day, so if you don't get a ticket months in advance, you might be stuck drinking pisco sours and watching badly dubbed Baywatch back at your Cuzco hotel.

Luckily, the neighborhood is filled with lesser-known, yet no less amazing, treks. I've hiked all five of these -- click through to see why they're my top picks.

5 Breathtaking Treks that Rival Machu Picchu

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CAMINO DEL APU AUSANGATE

You’re more likely to come across a group of llamas or alpaca on the Ausangate Trail than you are humans. I booked with Andean Lodges, which provides two or three guides to serve as your hosts, porters, and llama chargés d'affaires.
Photo by Abbie KozolchykRead More: Peru's Awesome New Food Scene